Thanks for the suggestions. A landscape man just emailed me, he loves his Ferris machines. He said I should not spend the extra money on a diesel as I would not ever wear out the engine with the kind of mowing I do. If I never buy another lawnmower but this one, I want to make sure it is the correct one.

Just my opinion, I don't own a tractor or zero turn. I used a Toro Super Recycler Personal Pace to cut my 1/2 acre. I have a few hills, handful of obstacles (trees, garden, shrubs). I did not find it bad to cut the lawn that way. However, a job of 60 hrs, college, some medical issues and such has me shopping for a tractor or zero turn as well. My opinion of your photos (though its hard to tell size) is that if it were me, I'd go with the push mower. Though I also enjoy and don't hate cutting grass. Even with my time and medical issues, from the photos, I personally would not be looking for a tractor or zero turn. Maybe I'm speaking as a non-owner of one though. Anyway, the models I've considered John Deere LA115 pricey but versatile. I was very close to pulling the trigger. Was concerned that its too much machine for my need and therefore I was wasting money. Ariens A20BH42 (Home Depot) I *think* made by Husqvarna. I was very close to pulling the trigger on it. If you do your homework there are internet coupons that at least for now can save you $100-$250 off of it plus a sweeper for example. HD was sold-out online for a while, otherwise I think I would have bought it. Poulan Pro PB195H42LT like last years model, this years takes away a bit, pricey considering a couple of hundred bucks more gets the LA115. Found a great price on last years model, but it sold out before I could buy, else I would be driving it. Poulan Pro PB22H46YT great deal on last years model available, but the 46 inch was too big for me. Hemmed and hawed on its oversize for me. Poulan Pro PB2042YT sure seems like the extact same thing as the Ariens, making me think they are made by the same. They just released the new models on the web site, never saw this one, though I would have considered it. Ariens Zoom 34 - a lot of comments suggest the 2008 model was much better - support on the deck, aluminum spindles, a few more HP, etc. I could not find an older model. One used one in my area, but it sold already. I bought this one. Time was may major issue, I know people that own it. Comments suggest its a quality machine that is well equipped to save time. In the end, I got it with a mulch kit for the price of the LA115. I feel its better suited for my yard, though the price to me was still difficult to swallow. Hope this helps in your search and decision!

That sound high. It retails for $2599 in US dollars which is $2926 Canadian dollars. They sell even lower in the USA when someone runs a sale. I would research more. In a city of 96,000 polulation there will be multiple brands available. You may need to wait for spring for better model selection. If you want to buy the Lawn-Boy anyway... It's an average homeowner ZTR with a Honda engine which is a great point. It's made by Toro. It will do the job. There's a Home Depot in Kelowna. In the spring they might have something you would want. Good luck.

if you've not had seat time on ZTR's, strongly suggest you do so. Some dealers will provide such. ZTR's do handle differently - some like them, some don't. ZTR's are relatively limited in handling attachments when compared to a garden tractor, so if you are thinking about snow-blowing, tilling, etc. then ZTR's prolly are not the best ticket. Some other info - Simplicity has gone out of business for all practical purposes even tho B&S is currently handling the line. Also, look for other name brands - but do not recommend buying such from a big box store. Add'tl research will help familiarize you with the products. Don't forget service after the sale (a good dealer). good luck